Paris: The NCAA's reputation takes one hit after another

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2013 file photo, Rutgers head coach Mike Rice reacts to play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against South Florida in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers has fired Rice after a videotape aired showing him shoving, grabbing and throwing balls at players in practice and using gay slurs during practice. With mounting criticism on a state and national level, the school decided to take action on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. relieving Rice of his duties after three l
— AP

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2013 file photo, Rutgers head coach Mike Rice reacts to play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against South Florida in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers has fired Rice after a videotape aired showing him shoving, grabbing and throwing balls at players in practice and using gay slurs during practice. With mounting criticism on a state and national level, the school decided to take action on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. relieving Rice of his duties after three l
/ AP

The heart-tugging musical score which accompanies the overhead shot of the glistening basketball court. The dramatic stories leading to tip off. The clue that something special is here, and aren't we lucky to be part of it?

Yes, and I can't wait for the Final Four either.

No, and when will those letters, NCAA, stop turning our stomachs?

The grand finale of a thrilling NCAA Tournament inches closes to its conclusion Saturday with heavyweights Michigan and Syracuse tangling, after upstart Wichita State brings a slingshot against favored Louisville.

The winners head to Monday's title game, and please join the NCAA as it celebrates its 75th tournament year.

Or not.

While the basketball is compelling, off the court the NCAA is fouling out. While the competition is grand, the adults overseeing it are grossly negligent.

And you thought the NCAA being cast in an uncomfortable light would diminish once the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky debacle passed?

No such luck, and how about the unfortunate week that was for the NCAA power brokers?

While they push your vision toward the “student-athletes'' don't overlook the pull of your integrity. Don't forget college is about getting an education, and not accepting handouts or looking the other way.

What, your head was buried so deep in your beloved bracket you put common sense on hold? Were you too busy crossing out losing picks that you didn't focus on the losers representing the NCAA?

Sorry to spike the NCAA Tournament punch bowl with a sour substance, but something is amiss. The NCAA won't say it, but that doesn't stop reasonable minds from wondering what the hell is going on?

Rice is repeatedly seen abusing his players in practices – if you think that is innovative coaching, you can stop reading now – with behavior bordering on psychotic.

For Rice to push, shove, grab and heave basketballs at defenseless students should not only be prohibited, but against the law. Assault is assault no matter the circumstances.

So Rice gets canned and his assistant, walks away. But where were the other authoritative figures these parents entrusted regarding the well-being of their children? Reports of the Rutgers school president and athletic director reviewing this video months ago, and not giving Rice two thumbs down – Roger Ebert, RIP – is appalling.

Then there is the Pac-12's Ed Rush, its esteemed director of officiating. The former NBA referee placed a bounty on testy Arizona coach Sean Miller, offering $5,000 or a Cancun vacation if someone slapped him with a technical during the conference tournament.

It was just a joke, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott tried to explain away, instead of taking Rush to the wood shed.

UCLA recently introduced Steve Alford, its new basketball coach, but not the 2002 tale of his questionable judgment. While at Iowa, Alford defended a star player accused of rape; the player was later convicted of sexual assault in 2005 against another victim and served time.